Bishops

Halloween

2011-11-06T23:02:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween. We had a really nice holiday this year. Lots of candy, family and fun costumes.

Cowgirl Ashby

London Mae, sweet Indian girl

Ezra the little Froggy

Halloween this year was beautiful! Not only was there no rain, but it was almost hot. In the mid 60's. We had a Cowgirl, an Indian or Unicorn and a little Froggy boy. It sure was great to have Nana and Papa here.

Photo Shoot

2011-07-28T12:06:00.000-06:00

So Have I been a lame blogger or What!!! Haha. Anyway, I am due tomorrow (but have another week of waiting probably) and wanted to get these pictures we took last week of the girls posted before our little boy makes his appearance.

Our beautiful and fiesty, London Mae

Our ever learning cutie pie, Miss Ashby.

These two sisters love each other soo much. And can't wait for brother to come.

3 Girls I love

2011-05-17T00:06:00.000-06:00

Just because.

I need to post again.

Maybe if I get to use the computer, that doesn't hate me, more often.

Maybe.

I love all of these girlies.

Can't complain about a wonderful family.

Knock Knock...

2011-03-20T00:27:00.000-06:00

Knock, knock

Who's there?

It's a Boy!!!

We found out earlier this week! We are soo excited. I'm due sometime around the beginning of August. We are excited to have a little more blue in the house. And Ryan said, we need to find a cute stuffed football for him to carry home with him. haha (the girls didn't have any stuffed toys that early!)

Wish us luck, we're on our way to being out numbered. More kids than laps.

London Love

2011-02-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

I love her. Can't help it. Just do.

Squishy, messy face.

Love you Mae Mae

Christmas 2010 Part 3 -Other fun Happenings

2011-01-21T22:14:00.002-07:00

We got together with all the Bishop's that could (missing Jordan serving as a missionary) at Grandpa Ken's for Dinner on the 26th. It is always great to catch up with Ryan's older sister Rachel. We don't see each other enough. Her boyfriend Miguel is funny, super friendly and fun. Ironically he is the only one I took any pictures of.

Ashby Loves him. I'm pretty sure that she really thought he came over to play blocks with her! haha. Thanks Grandpa Ken for the great (hand made) gift!

Preston and Alisha and we don't get to play enough together either. hehe. But it was wonderful to have a nice Bishop Family Dinner. Thanks for all your yummy cooking Ken!

Nana came up from California to spend some time with us crazy kids who live in the cold. hehe. She endured lots of cold weather (including snow) and still brought us all very nice gifts. (thanks Papa too!) Ashby and London Loved having another morning of sweet gifts.

Christmas 2010 Part 2 -Christmas Day

2011-01-20T21:46:00.041-07:00

All Was Calm.

Christmas Morning. Lovely and fun. It's great to see the excitement. Love you girls.


Ashby happy as a Princess


London loves balls, snacks and her warm coat.

We had a great morning at home. Yummy blueberry strata and fun being together before we left to go visit family. A quick stop at Grandpa Ken's and off to Ogden.

It was great to have all of the Loveless siblings together again. So fun and wonderful to be together.
We love so much that Adam was able to come again. Colorado may not be far, but it often feels like it. Everyone was kind, loving and in the Christmas Spirit. (even those not pictured)

Christmas 2010 Part 1

2011-01-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a kind of recap of our December (month of Christmas activities)

Selecting a splendid smelling Fur Tree.

Playing with Daddy by the tree.

Eating some Grandpa Ken's traditional Christmas Chex Mix. Yummy!

Breakfast with Santa

Grandpa took the girls to the fun and yummy Breakfast with Santa

Some of the staff from the North Pole was there to make the morning awesome. Including Santa Claus, Mrs Claus, Buddy the Elf, Polar Bear and the Gingerbread Man!

In addition to a yummy breakfast enjoyed by all, there were lots of activities like Face painting and Santa Letter writing,

Lots of Games, Goodies and Crafts.

There was even fun photo opts.

The line for Santa was long, but we all had a fun start to the Christmas season.

Stay tuned for Part 2. Christmas Day.

Happy New Year

2011-01-05T23:46:00.000-07:00

My Baby Eats

2010-09-29T23:01:00.000-06:00

Blogger isn't allowing me to upload any pictures tonight. (bummer)
But I just had to laugh today because of London's lunch.

She loves to eat. Really, she is really pretty small andI don't think anyone would realize how much she eats from her size. She eats and eats and then wants to eat your food too!

Well today I prepared a tuna sandwich for Ryan and I. I was getting ready to make a turkey sandwich for the girls when London came over to me asking (in her gesturing way) for some tuna. I gave her a small taste. Well she couldn't get enough and ended up eating a small bowl of it.
Too funny.

I guess that just proves that kids really ARE full of surprises.

Welcome Home Preston!

2010-09-05T23:08:00.000-06:00

We get to share Preston! If only for a week. We are all so happy to all be together. Alisha and he are too. Can't you tell! Any ideas for fun things we should do with our military man on leave?

11 Months and growing

2010-08-25T23:52:00.001-06:00

I can't believe this but London really is a growing up. I'll save the "proof" pictures for next month. You know the ones the show her progression over the last year. But I thought I'd post an update now anyhow.

Things she loves:
Baby dolls (and her Mickey Mouse doll)
Balls
Kitty Cats
Blue Berries
Music
Doing what Ashby does
Climbing
The Beach
It's a Small World ride (at Disneyland)

Things she doesn't like:
Getting her diaper changed
Plain Bread (which she used to like)
Wearing her cute headbands
The Ocean
The Submarine ride (at Disneyland)

Words she can say:
Nana
Kitty Cat
Momma
Dadda
Ball

Words she can sign:
More

How much she weighs:
18 lbs

Nick names:
London Mae
Mae Mae
Londy Lu
Squeaker (Grandpa Ken)

In my opinion she doesn't sleep quite long enough. Ever. Whether it be from a nap or from a nights sleep. But she has the cutest little personality that we all just love. She loves to play, takes the intensity of excited Ashby play pretty well and is a pretty good listener too.
Oh how I love you London Mae.

Disneyland

2010-08-14T23:59:00.000-06:00

We all had an amazing time! I hope to be able to share more later.

Thanks Nana, Papa, And all the cousins! Ciao, Ti Amo!

it never gets old

2010-07-10T23:24:00.000-06:00

Dress up.
It never gets old. Too bad my little girl is getting older.

Happy 2 Weeks Old!

2010-07-10T23:17:00.000-06:00

I want to say congradulations to my new nephew, Jacob. He is 2 weeks old today.
He came a little early. Well, a lot early. About 3 months early. But he is here to stay and is fighting each day to get stronger, healthier and well mostly just fighting to grow.

I find myself amazed at this tiny miracle. And can't believe how much I love him.
My brother Jared and sister-in law Stacy are great parents already. You can see the love in their faces.
Jacob, Jared and Stacy we love you

Summer = Family Reunion

2010-07-10T22:45:00.001-06:00

This is probably true for many of you. Summer provides the opportunity for families large and small to gather together to celebrate being together! For some a family reunion is an hour at the local park. Or getting together for a 4th of July barbaque and street side fireworks. Still others gather as many together for as long possible.

Lately I have noticed that family reunions have become more fashionable. Which if you are a more recent convert to the sport of family gathering, don't be worried, jump on the old band wagon and hang on. This is one trend I hope never falls out of style.

But my family has been having a family reunion for 50 + years now. No, I'm not trying to brag. I just excited about it. Really! We get together for a weekend of camping, hikes, water fun, stories, skits, food, little sleep, cousins, Really old Uncles, really young 3rd cousins and just fun.

Anyway, this year my parents are in charge of this 3 day event of fun. It's next week. And I'm excited.!!!

Water Fight - here we come!

Another type of reunion happened just this week for my family.

My sister Amy Loveless returned home safely after being gone for 18 months on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Conception South Mission. She loved it. She loves the people. We love her. Welcome home Amy-lu.

oh...did I mention Ashby is sooo excited your home!

Happy 4th Birthday Ashby

2010-06-09T22:43:00.000-06:00

We love you soo much.
We have had a blast celebrating with you.
Love, your Mommy

Skype + Family + Friends = Awesome

2010-03-25T23:57:00.000-06:00

I receive a web cam for my birthday (over 6 months ago) but just used our computer to fully skype the other day.

It was so fun. Ashby just loved it. I kind of want everyone to use it. It's just excited to be able to see who you're talking to.

Although, I can imagine a few times when seeing who you a talking to might be rather...inconvient. haha (thinking of a time when skyping with my mother-in-law, "oh Cheryl, I didn't know you were there...." )

I guess that is probably a technology that will one day be available in every phone. Just like one day (soon) everyone really will have their own lap top (or mac book or Ipad or netbook).

Weird.

But I like Skype. We were able to skype with some of our favorite people. They are family and our friends. We used to do everything together. Then. They moved. But we all have survived. We miss them. And may be planning a trip to California later this year just because they will be there. Until then we will probably learn to like Skype a lot.

But probably NOT as much as this:

Pinching My Pennies

2010-03-25T23:28:00.000-06:00

So this past November...or maybe October. I went to a Newspaper sponsered Couponing class. I know several people that "coupon" and decided to try it. So we have been receiving the Sunday paper since then. Yeah. So it does work. I save money. I find deals. I feel good about my small way of being a "couponer" (sorry to any of you who find "couponers" annoying) But I recently have been introduced to several more website that TELL you what the deals are and where to find the coupons.
GREAT!
But...I still havn't figured out how to make the time to read through all the crazy, and I mean CRAZY, cheap deals these websites have.
One of them is PinchingYourPennies.com
Do any of you Coupon? How do you make the time? I'm sure once I figure out a routine it will be no prob...but in the mean time I feel like each week I'm literally missing out on great deals.

7 Years

2010-03-21T21:31:00.001-06:00

March 21, 2003. San Diego Temple. Life Changing. In love forever. Thank you Ryan. 7 Wonderful Years. 2 Beautiful Girls later. I Love You Always.

Blogger Issues Part 2

2010-03-17T23:54:00.000-06:00

So earlier this month I wrote about some issues I was having with blogger. Well I think we are mostly over those. Thank you to those who left suggestions.
I am now bothered by the fact that on the currant format there is not a(n obvious) way to post video.
If you know how to do this, please leave a comment so I can post some of our cute videos soon.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T23:28:00.001-06:00

It has been a very fun day and both of the girls got to wear their cute green clothes. Yippee! I never had cute green things to wear growing up (which really does matter in public school K-12). So I guess (even though they aren't in any school) I want to give them that. Silly huh. I know.
Anyway, I still don't have anything green so I wore a green flower in my hair and a green ribbon as a braclet. Maybe next year. haha.
So I fell through on my clothing, but came through on the food with a little help from everyone.

Breakfast of Kix, Oatmeal, baby Rice Cereal

and dinner of Green Chicken pea and rice casserole, green jello, and kiwi salad

with "blueberry" muffins as dessert

I got the idea from our cousins. Thanks Em.

It's my turn

2010-03-17T23:14:00.003-06:00

Shortly after this happened:

These happened:

It's fun to watch her grow. This helps me to see it literally through her eyes.

Happy 6 Months to London

2010-03-16T00:53:00.000-06:00

We love you our sweet London Mae.

2010-03-14T23:41:00.000-06:00

the girls had a little play time before bed. The sure are sweet together! We are loving having 2!

New is good

2010-03-09T14:45:00.001-07:00

Other than a pair of running shoes and $5 flip flops last summer. These were my everyday shoes. Don't get me wrong, I know there are many people in worse shape. But they were both pretty old and rather uncomfortable and I hadn't had new shoes since before I was pregant with London.

So I was thrilled when Ryan and Ashby came home with a surprise for me:

Haha...I guess I like pumas and shoes that are black and pink.

Either way, I love 'em.

Thanks My Handsome and my sweet Ashby. I love you.

Another Crisis Avoided

2010-03-09T14:21:00.001-07:00

Earlier today, Ashby asked me about the fire down in that small, wooded valley.
well, with all the natural disaters occuring, a fire is possible.

What happened was:
Ashby -"Mommy sing the song about the fire in the dell"
Me -"You mean the farmer in the dell?"
Ashby -"umm yeah"

So I sang it. You know
"The Farmer in the dell, the farmer in the dell, Hi-ho the darry-O, the farmer in the Dell"
It goes on until the "mouse takes cheese" and then the "cheese stands alone."

We are eating breakfast during this conversation. Now I try to talk with Ashby and London while we eat our meals. Mostly just because I'm pretty sure that having the ability to converse easily with others helps them later in life. Like helps them get into college. Or at least helps them not feel left out at the lunch table years from now when they are in school.

But after I sang the song I was really hungry (and I sang all the verses - which I know is my fault) but the result was: Me- really hungry and My cereal- getting soggy
I'm not the biggest fan of soggy KIX. So I was just eating. Not really being very aware for a few minutes. Which is why the next part surprised me at first.

Ashby- "Why did the cheese get left alone?"
Me- "??"
Ashby- "Why did the mouse leave the cheese? Oh I know. Maybe the mouse just left it in the kitchen or the front room and went somewhere. Or maybe it's bedroom."
Me- "oh, Oh yeah. I guess."

As I'm pretty sure that song never made much sense to me, I didn't pursue to topic. I mean was the cheese left alone due to some illness that effected everyone else? Sad. But I guess there already is a fare amount of morbidity to children nursery rhymes(Humpty Dumpty), songs (ring-around-the rosie) and bedtime stories (hansel and gretel)
But I came out of my temporairy state of absence and the morning went on rather ~~smoothly~~ normally from there.

the Weather Continued

2010-03-08T22:27:00.002-07:00

Last week I wrote about the weather. That night it began snowing and didn't stop until sometime after noon the next day! And then it didn't melt right away as had the last of the storms. But it did yesterday! It started with a little bit of rain and then the sun came out and it really seemed like it was pouring with all of the snow melting so quickly.
Today it was beautiful!!

What did we do with it? Picnic of course!
Daddy even was home and able to join us.

Girls Scouts are known for

2010-03-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

Girls Scouts are known for ....

their cookies.

Ashby said, "I like this doughnut cookie a lot Mommy"

You mean the Samoa?

"Yes, the doughnut one, see!"

Yep, I see.

the Weather

2010-03-05T02:19:00.001-07:00

So if we can stop getting so much of this

And start getting more days of this

Then I'm sure these will come to help welcome

SPRING :)

Oh sweet Spring, come soon. We long to play outside in your beauty and warmth

C. Bishop Photography

2010-03-05T02:11:00.000-07:00

I've loved taking pictures for a long time now. I've even had some really good opportunities to shot engagement and newborn photos before. But I never really showed my work except to those for whom they were taken. Sometime shortly after London was born I realized that an easy way to do so would be here through a blog. So I've finally done it. Click here if you'd like to see what I've done or would like me to capture some special moments for your family sometime.

Blogger Issues

2010-03-04T00:16:00.002-07:00

In the past I could upload the pictures I wanted to use in any order then move them around in the text before posting to the exact location I wanted. Now I can't. They stay put. What's up with that???

Does anyone out there in blogger-ville know?

Playdates

2010-03-04T00:07:00.004-07:00

So before having kids the terms playdates had little meaning to me. Now 3 years 9 months and 2 kids later. WOW. Did you know that a playdate can: Bring smiles and tears. Provide freedom. Show creativity. Build social skills. Make messes. Provide an opportunity to Share and Fight. Laugh. Run. Rest. Clean a room.

I love them. Ashby Loves them. London one day will too.

Today Ashby got to play with the 1 boy out of like 8 three year olds in our ward/neighborhood. It went well. Thanks Z. for letting him come.

A Carrot to hold

2010-03-04T00:02:00.002-07:00

Did I mention that London has two teeth. They came to be about 3 weeks ago. It was quite sudden. I didn't notice any extra moodiness. Just one day she had a little bump on the front of her bottom gum. 2 day's later - Teeth!

So now I let her use her little chompers (under strict supervision). She like carrots and cucumbers.

Well really she likes to eat her rice cereal okay. Not so sure about our homemade carrot babyfood. And really thinks that there is nothing better than nursing.

Weekend in Vegas

2010-03-03T21:50:00.005-07:00

So this is the second time that I've had the chance to travel with my good friend Tracy. 2 years ago we traveled together to the same destination.

Where: Las Vegas. Lolly's house.

What: Car Trip.

When: Winter/early Spring

Who: Tracy, Cheryl, Asbhy and London*

Why: Fun. Sun. Friends.

*London was of course not able to travel with us 2 years ago.

I think we have mini tradition here. Drive out for the weekend. Don't get enough sleep. Eat yummy food (thanks Lolly for the meals and Tracy for the dessert). Laugh. A Lot. Talk. Shop. "Lollification". Photo shoot. Visit the Strip. Chase kids. Cute kids. Soothe kids. Church. Home.

Yeah, I think that was both trips in a nut shell. But both trips were fun. I love being able to keep in touch with old friends. Thanks Tracy for helping me with that.

Maybe I'll get a little better at it. I don't think it would hurt to catch up more often than once every 2 years. haha.

Tracy, thanks for the idea. Lolly, your kids are soo cute. Brian, thanks for watching the kids.

Here are a few pics. I'll try to post more soon. Tracy took most of 'um. Great camera, always on hand, and she knows how to use it!

Daddy's Day Off

2010-03-02T23:47:00.000-07:00

Lately Ryan has been busy. Very busy. Working with his Construction company during the day. Then working a full time job in the evenings at a local grocery store. We are preparing for him to go back to school this fall, so he is just work, work, working so we can save up some cash.

Anyway, with this schedule we don't always have very much family time. Tuesday and Sunday are his grocery store days off so often we have Family night on Tuesday night. Sometimes we don't. Well this monday we planned his day off.

DDP - Daddy Day off Plan

Play at home with the girls in the morning while Cheryl works out.

Pack a lunch for a picnic because Ashby is a picnic lover.

Take the picnic lunch up into the mountains for a hike.

Use our awesome baby backpack on hike.

Dinner at home.

All together.

Yum.

Fun.

Well all went according to plan except for the hike part. This was disappointing because that was kind of the highlight of the day. Due to the amount of snow still left on the couple trails we planned we couldn't exactly picnic in the mountains unless we wanted to make snow angles while doing it. Nope.

So we went to plan B on this part.

What's plan B you ask.

the Park.

It was great. We all had fun.

photo shot

2010-02-25T00:07:00.001-07:00

We love our girls so much.

We all had fun with these.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T22:08:00.002-07:00

Merry, Merry Christmas to all of our family and friends.Both of our girls are asleep in their new pjs.
Hope all of you enjoy your Christmas weekend.
We're hoping for snow. :)

Bubbles or....

2009-12-18T22:55:00.003-07:00

Tonight at bathtime Ashby asked me to put London in with her (which I do regularly). Now as I had bathed London last night, I told her that she could bathe by herself tonight. (Partly because I thought she'd enjoy it and partly because that gave me a little bit of less busy time)

When she acted like that wasn't what she wanted, I told her she could have a bubble bath or London in the bath with her.

I thought she'd chose the Bubbles. I was wrong.
I am very happy to be wrong.

I love that she Loves her sister soo much!

Just because I love pictures...

This is London at about 1 month old. I love both my girls

The Missing Gloves

2009-12-11T01:10:00.002-07:00

It's winter time. It's winter time in Utah. And the high this week has been...oh I don't like 8 degrees. Yeah. I know.
Anyway, when we go outside Ashby and I both try to keep gloves on our hands. The other day as we were getting ready to go Ashby came and told me she couldn't find her gloves. When I questioned her further this was her reply:

(in a very matter of fact three year old way) "Mommy, I checked the office, the bathroom ANND my bedroom and the gloves are no where to be found."

Update: The gloves were later located by the expert mother eye, in said bedroom.

2009-12-06T23:02:00.004-07:00

We love you Hermana Lu! Here's a hug from us to you!

For Amy

2009-12-06T22:00:00.007-07:00

My little sister (1st of 2 little sisters), Miss Lu as I call her, is currently serving on a mission. She has been serving for a year now. We took her to the MTC last December 17th. Wow. I havn't been so good at sending pictures lately. Yes I know you are soo surprised. But last week I told her I would post some on my blog so she could check it out the next time she is online (tomorrow).

So this post is mostly to get me back into blogging. It isn't that I don't enjoy or want to blog. I do, I love sharing pictures and stories from our everyday lives. I just don't always make the time for it.

So without further ado, Pictures!

Here we have Ashby a week ago as compared to:

A year ago. (yes she is wearing her training panties on the outside. haha She LOVES dress up!)

Here's some London Love:

There are some pics of our two cute girls!

Favorite Things and a little wisdom

2009-12-01T00:38:00.002-07:00

London just loves this baby gym. It is definitely her new favorite thing to do. Thanks G Family for letting us use it. The best part is when she starts rollin' around because she is trying to hit the little hanging animals with her feet.

Ashby's favorite thing to do is to play dress up. More specifically dress up to get married and dance. But this video had the dancing and dress up. So I figure it counts. When Ashby is getting "married" she likes to put on a dress (any dress - a dress up dress or a normal dress) and a blanket for a veil and then I get to sing the "wedding song". You know "here comes the bride...". Then she dances with her "prince". Often times the prince is a girl. but maybe that's because she thinks that boys don't shower.

Oh that reminds me of her little wisdom. I hope she remembers this as a 12-20 year old. That boys are "icky, icky sticky"

For more Ashby "getting Married" click here. (thanks Nana)

London's Blessing

2009-11-29T23:05:00.005-07:00

After trying to find the perfect day were everyone could be with us for London's blessing day, we finally settled on a date. Then as fate would have it, Ryan had to work on that Sunday morning (and the place he works at isn't even open on Sundays! -inventory-) So we blessed her at home Sunday evening with most of our immediate family and a few close friends.

London is super sweet and we are so grateful our family could join us for on special day.

her giggle

2009-11-06T12:27:00.003-07:00

7 weeks old and she really is this sweet!

Having a Sister

2009-11-04T23:58:00.004-07:00

A year ago, our dear cousins had their second child. Another baby girl. Their first being the same age as Ashby and the two girls being buddies, they wanted to be like each other. Cousin L was a "big sister" and this made Ashby want to be a "big sister" too. SO last christmas, Ashby told us she wanted a baby. Well her wish came true and she has loved being a big sister even before London was born. She would tell us about how much fun it would be to share each other's beds and play babies together.
Well she has gotten her wish..sorta

Ashby LOVES London and I have no doubt that London loves her back. She wants to share her fun things with London and thinks London should share too. haha. She knows the changing table is for babies, but wanted to be silly anyway!

PS- T. I'll try to post more soon, but I HAVE to go to sleep now.

Ashby's first Fish

2009-11-04T23:47:00.003-07:00

Ryan's Dad is a superb fisherman. He loves all kinds of fishing, but fly-fishing is his favorite. This past spring when the weather got ripe for some good fly fishing (think really nasty, windy and rainy) he would practice casting little in the backyard.

Ashby loved to watch. So one day he made her her own "Rod" out of a flexible limb from a bush.
Since then she has wanted to learn how to fish from Grandpa Ken.

Well on the 10th of October he finally took her. I think she thinks it worth the wait because she came back SOOO excited to have "caught" her first fish!

She even loved eating it that night for dinner. Yum.

Thanks Grandpa Ken, maybe you'll have a new fishing buddy!

London's Infant Photos

2009-11-04T23:24:00.003-07:00

These photos were taken when London was 2 weeks old. She wasn't sleepy like we thought she'd be, but I love how they turned out. Marcie Jessee, our photographer, did a fantastic job. Thanks so much Marcie. I can't wait to have her take our family photos!

If your interested in having her take photos for your family or special event, stop by her website to get more info. www.jesseephotography.com

London Mae

2009-10-03T00:53:00.003-06:00

Stats at Birth:
Date - 9/16/09
Time - 8:29 pm
Weight - 7 lbs 14 oz
Length - 19.5 inches

We all are doing well.
Thanks for the love and support

London is worth the wait!

2009-10-03T00:14:00.007-06:00

London didn't come on her "due date" but I think we all agree that we would gladly wait longer if we had to for our sweet little one. Hope you enjoy some of the video Nana took at the hospital.

We have been soo blessed with 2 beautiful and healthy little girls. First Ashby and now London. Ashby is a fantastic big sister already. Here is the early proof of that. She definitely loves her baby sister. We know that London will be trying to do everything like her big sister before long. But for now, she is doing just what she should: eating and sleeping. Ryan and I so happy.

YouTube Kitty

2009-09-13T21:17:00.004-06:00

Ashby and Nana have watched this Kitty Video at least a half a dozen times in the past 2 days (probably more) and it is pretty funny! Below is the video of Ashby watching the video. In it you'll get the jist of the youtube video, but if you are a kitty lover please go to the link above! If you're an Ashby lover, please see the video below! As always, Ashby has a blast with her sweet Nana.

Happy 29th Handsome

2009-09-07T21:55:00.005-06:00

When Ryan told me he wanted to go to Fuddruckers, a hamburger-type only place, for his birthday dinner with his family I have to admit I was thinking "ahh man". It's not that I don't enjoy a good burger now and then. It's just (as my dad now knows -sorry Tommy's Burgers) I kind of am one to get over eating burgers rather quickly.

But don't worry the food was more than just a burger. The atmosphere was fun and we had a good time.

Then for Sunday dinner my family came down to celebrate and enjoy some time together. My mom is lucky lady and has a "tamale lady" that makes frequent stops to sell yummy food at her

house! So she brought yummy Mexican food plus a home made peanut-chocolate ice cream cake! Mmmmm. We laughed, told silly stories and had a really nice evening. We were so glad to have as many family members there as we did!

Then afterward just before Ashby went to bed, we decided we needed a family picture of the day daddy got wiser :). Yep, London is in it too.

Hope it was a fun weekend Ryan

Week 40

2009-09-06T22:21:00.003-06:00

Still pregnant. Feeling really well. Gonna try jogging and walking more. Neighbors are inviting me over to use their trampoline. It's okay, I have a bunch of laundry to do tomorrow....maybe I'll attempt a simple (I mean straight lines only) sewing project? But I think we are all ready for London's arrival. I guess all we can do is pray and wait patiently. But who knows, tomorrow is "Labor Day"

Problem Solved

2009-09-06T22:01:00.003-06:00

Before you go on a trip you have to pack your bags right.

Ashby understand this.

Before we visit family we pack our bags.

Before Nana could come here, she had to pack her bags.

Before Ryan and I go to the hospital, we had to pack our bags.

So our bags have all been packed and we're waiting.

Ashby and I even sing a song to our London Mae asking her if she is "gonna come out today" almost every day.

But I'm pretty sure that Ashby has solved the problem.

Today after we sang our little song I asked:

Me: Do you think she'll come today?

Ashby: No, probably not

Me: Why not, Nana is here, I've cleaned, organized and I'm all packed. What are we waiting for?

Ashby: London just needs to get her bag ready.

So if anyone knows how to do that, let me know. Cuz we are ready to welcome her at any time now!

Playing at a Friends

2009-09-04T22:44:00.006-06:00

It happens all the time. Children get bored at home. Bored with THEIR toys. You understand if you are a mother.

At this point you are happy when another mom calls you to say her son/daughter would like you kid to come over to play.

Up to this point in Ashby's life most of such occasions have been known as "play dates" where I would go as well and have a nice time (even if it wasn't exactly what I had been planning to do with my time). Recently though, she has been able to be picked up or dropped off to go play without me. A nice improvement. She is big enough to go away for an hour or two but still need me to help her get to where she is going.

Then Wednesday, she was invited over to our good friends house down the street. The child is 8, but she and Ashby have been having a blast playing together before Ashby could crawl. I'm due to have our second at any point now, so when the mom said her daughter would ride down on her bike to get Ashby I thought, GREAT! She is big enough Ashby can go with her safely.

Then, when our friend arrived and Ashby started to ride off on her bike without me, ALL Big and Grown up, I smiled. Wow, isn't that great. Then as I watched the two of them ride down the side walk together it hit me. WHAM. My baby isn't a baby anymore! I cried. I couldn't help it. The tears literally leaked out! Ryan came out and together we watched her ride all the way to the friends house.

My neighborhood friends have told me that when London is born Ashby will age and grow in an instant. Gee. I already can't believe kindergarden is in JUST 2 years. Can't she stay little for a little bit longer!?

I asked Ashby that. She said, "No Mom. I'm getting bigger see!?"

She's right. I sure love her

Almost Here!

2009-09-01T10:18:00.003-06:00

Here is the pic Ryan took of me to document my belly-ness at 39 weeks. Yes, she's almost here! I'm feeling really good. Little discomforts here and there, but not much to complain about.

Nana doesn't get into town until Friday so I'm not "supposed" to jog everyday to encourage her to come out until she gets here. But I jogged almost a mile yesterday and will probably go again tomorrow or Thursday. In the mean time, I'll try to update this here blog on some of our fun fun summer :)

Apparently we weren't as good about documenting my belly progress with my pregnancy with Ashby, but below are my pregnancy at 38 weeks now and then:

The pictures don't show it here, but I definitely was more swollen with Ashby's pregnancy.

Keeping the Kruegers

2009-09-01T07:06:00.000-06:00

So sometime in the last year or so we started hanging out with Ryan's cousin Larry and his cute wife Trine and there adorable little Leyna. Ashby and Leyna are not even two weeks apart in age and as soo cute together. As you can see, they have gotten along pretty well from the start.

Then last fall Trine invited me to join her and some other moms in a home based pre-school group. That was so much fun. The girls learned a lot and Trine and I developed a great friendship. Ashby and Leyna were inseprable (when not having normal toddler tiffs) and we tried to get our families together often.

Then last November Kayla was born. Ashby then had two adorable girls to love.

And the more we all got together, the more friendly and comfortable our families have become. We have taken turns having dinner at each others homes. Watched each others kids. And given each other love and support. We even got to go camping together in July.

But Larry felt it time to head back to school and away to New Hampshire they have moved.

So we miss them and wish them many success'. And here is my first of many tries to keep the Kruegers close to home despite the miles.

Bishops + Kruegers = Love

32 Weeks

2009-07-14T23:00:00.002-06:00

It's fun to compare now with my half way picture
I am feeling pretty good. Tired. But good. I love being pregnant, other than feeling huge at times, I also feel wonderful in so many ways.

2009-07-04T10:14:00.003-06:00

We hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday remembering what this country stands for.

Dad's 57th

2009-07-01T14:13:00.004-06:00

This is a lot late, but I wanted to post it anyway. Love you Dad

I'm Really Glad her "Drain" works

2009-06-29T21:46:00.004-06:00

Ashby is potty trained. This isn't news, it has been several months now that we have been diaper free.
Most of the time when she needs to use the restroom we are alerted to the fact by her calling out (at all hours of the day and night) the she needs "help" The only help she needs is to be given toilet paper (an appropriate amount) so she can take care of business.
Well as usual, this afternoon she calls out for help.
I go into the bathroom to give her toilet paper, reminder to wash her hands and flush the toilet as is routine.
This time I kind of forgot about the routine.

Ashby: My drain works.
Me: What? Your drain works?
Ashby: Yeah, I'm glad my drain works. It held my potty in.
Me: So your "drain" holds your potty for you?
Ashby: Yes. So I don't have accidents
Me: Hmmm. I have a bladder that holds my potty. Do you have a bladder?
Ashby: No, just a drain.

I had to leave pretty quickly after that. I didn't want to laugh openly.
But I am really, really glad that her "drain" works.

Wednesday goodness

2009-06-25T00:55:00.001-06:00

We had a blast with a little help from our friends, the park and some water.

Kiddie Pool Glory

2009-05-31T17:02:00.005-06:00

When Ashby was born 3 Junes ago my mom give us this little kiddie pool. At the time I remember thinking something like, "Cool. What do I use this for, I have an infant." But oh, the wisdom of a Grandma. It wasn't too long before we used it. I don't have photo documentation to prove it, but I'm pretty sure we tried it a couple times with our 3-4 month old and we have used it every summer since.

This year, however I think the Kiddie Pool is coming into it's own and reaching into the throws of toddler-hood Glory. We pumped it up about 2 weeks ago when the temperature was a unpleasant constant of 85 degrees plus. And since that day we havn't gone 2 days without using it at least once.

On a few occasions we have even had a very excited running around the house in her bathing suite at 8 AM in the morning!

It's not very big but so far neither Ashby nor any of her cute friends we've had over have minded. We look forward to a summer of many wet afternoons with friends. And a big thank you to Grandma Loveless for an inexpensive yet genius gift!

100 Days to Go!

2009-05-29T22:06:00.000-06:00

We have just 100 short days until the excited arrival of our 2nd bundle of joy!

With a due date of September 6th we can't believe how quickly the date is coming. I know that when the heat of the summer hits I will find myself wishing the heat away, but I can't fool myself into thinking that the time won't fly by. Let's just hope that I am able to get done all I need to in the next 100 days!

2009-05-10T15:23:00.001-06:00

Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful women out there!
You don't have to be have your own kids to have mothered someone!

Some things I Love

2009-05-02T22:28:00.002-06:00

1. Ryan. He is handsome, smart, caring, fun, hard worrking and determined.
2. Ashby. "Hi, I'm Ashby, I'm 2 and a 1/2 and you spell my name "A-S-H-B-Y". She says stuff like that. She's witty(in her way), gives the best hugs, and loves to help.
3.Being pregnant. Especially now as our baby grows and gets bigger. I love being able to feel the kicks, turns and other acrobatics going on inside of me.
4.Great Family and Friends. Life just wouldn't be the same without them. I have been blessed with many. Thanks to each of you for accepting me and helping me.
5.The bread recipe from Pantry Secrets. Really wonderful class and you don't have to have a nice mixer to do the recipe.
6.Running(think jogging). I love the fee
ling at the end. You know, really tired but well worked.
7.Warm feet on cool grass.
8.Photography. Weather it is mine or taken by others, I love the capturing moments of God's beautiful creations.
9.Laughter. This makes me think of Pride and Prejudice and hope that I don't love to laugh "too much" as some of Mr. Bingley's party seem to think of the Bennet girls.
10.Music. Weather instrumental or voice. Weather as a participant or an observer. Music is such a powerful tool.
11.Learning. New things or old things. Gaining new understanding or refreshing and strengthening an old, growth is a wonderful feeling.
12.Parties. Just the kind that bring friends/families together.

2009-04-13T22:36:00.008-06:00

We're having a Little
GIRL!!!
We are all so excited,
especially soon to be Big Sister Ashby!

Feel free to share cute girlie name suggestions. :)

20 Week Baby Bump

2009-04-13T22:36:00.006-06:00

Easter Weekend at Grandparents Loveless Part 3

2009-04-13T22:36:00.005-06:00

April 11th

My brother Jared and his fun wife Stacy also decided to spend Easter weekend at Mom and Dad's and they brought the fun. Meaning the brought a Wii and a WiiFit! Everyone took turns including Ashby.

Her favorite seems to be the free run. You run following your "trainer" and part way through have the option to chase a puppy. She really like trying to catch the cute puppies!

Also on Saturday Grandma, Ashby and I did some fun crafts.

Bunny CupCakes

My Great-Grandma's recipe. She made them every Easter. At least until she was like 90 years old. She was a very talented woman and made everything beautiful including these sweet little Easter treats.

I'd never made them before. Thanks Mom for doing them with us! Let's do it agin next year! Ashby and I really had fun. Ashby's bunny faces can only improve from here right? ( you use food coloring and a toothpick on the marshmellows to make the face and Ashby's looked more like the bunnies had been shot....ewww. Don't worry, she ate all of the evidence). I guess we'll work on our smiley faces.

The grass is coconut dyed green! And my Great-Grandma came up with this cute idea without the websites I would have needed today.

Kites

Mom helped Ashby to creat a "swirl" or "no wind" kite. It was just out of paper, stick and string with color love by Ashby. It didn't take long and provided lots of smiley fun!

Daddy-Daughter Non-Date

2009-04-13T22:28:00.003-06:00

So while Michelle and I went dress shopping (see post below) Ryan was kind enough to watch Ashby. He actually was really cute and told her how excited he was to go on a "Daddy-Daughter-Date" with her. And our silly, sweet little Ashby completely objected. She wanted to go with Daddy to the Mall, but definitely not on a date! I guess maybe she just wants to wait until she is 16 for one of those date thingys.

When we caught up with them Ashby and Daddy shared that they had lots of fun! Daddy even let Asbhy choose her very own nail polish! She chose purple!

Later at home, Daddy completely wowed and amazed up all by painting her nails as soon as we all got home!

Easter Weekend at Grandparents Loveless Part 2

2009-04-13T22:07:00.005-06:00

April 10th

My youngest sister Michelle asked me about 2 months ago if I'd go dress shopping with her. Just for fun. So I thought....Michelle, shopping, fun. Those are all things I like. So sure, let's go

We don't live super close and only go up to North Ogden to visit Michelle and my parents about 1.5 times a month. And those are normally quite full, fun and busy visits. So yeah...it's taken me a while.

She kept asking and reminding me about going because, yes, I am pregnant and will get bigger before I get smaller. She figured a higher rate of fun would be incurred by both she and I if both of us could actually fit into the dresses.

We finally went this past Friday.

In case you were wondering this is what Michelle+Shopping+Fun looks like:

Later Daddy and Ashby caught up with us and Ashby and I tried on Pink dresses together! :)

Easter weekends at Grandparents Loveless Part 1

2009-04-13T00:23:00.006-06:00

We started our weekend early by going up to Ogden on Thursday (thanks mom) and had fun right away playing, exercising, baking and going to see the lambs in neighborhood farm.

Ashby's favorite part was the sheep/lambs. I don't blame her. They were cute and the land was beautiful!

Most of the sheep were shy at first. But not this ram. We nicknamed him George. Hey was really pushy and actually had my jacket in his mouth to eat! Luckily my jacket won that battle.
Eventually the lambs got brave and came over. Ashby really liked saying hi to them and wanted to pet them, but found they were a little too skittish.

Thanks Grandma for taking us!

New hair gel

2009-04-13T00:01:00.005-06:00

We decided to make our cousin Trine's awesome (I mean Fantastic) chocolate chip cookie recipe. Last time I made it was by myself as it had been past Ashby's bedtime. This time we did it together.

Ashby's specialty is pouring, dumping and helping to crack.

She really is pretty good at helping to add the ingredients (especially if I bring the mixing bowl to her level). But I have decided that when using shortening, I think in the future I'll ask her to wait that part out. While helping she got some in hair. When I tried to clean it out this was the result.

Hair gel.

Her hair stood perfectly straight up.

About 5".

Thanks Great Grandparents Mahrle

2009-04-12T23:56:00.003-06:00

Last week we received a package for Ashby from Colorado. It had to be from my brother Adam or our fun Great Grandparents Mahrle. It was the latter and inside was a sweet a fun set of things for our little family. Thanks! Ashby's favorite was the cute bunny. It had a Dress!!

She had to get all of her bunny family together for the pictures!

Cirlces

2009-04-12T23:49:00.003-06:00

What...you've never had your own home made circle quesadillas!? Well you should. Just ask Ashby, they were good

Happy Birthday Ken

2009-04-01T00:15:00.002-06:00

Hey who of you has ever had 4 birthday cakes made for you on your birthday? Me? Never. Maybe 2? And probably not both on my actual birthday. Ken (my father-in-law) had 4. Including and ice cream cake. Way too much sugar, but cool to be loved!

Oh, and I think this was Jordan's first time being with his dad on his birthday.

Because blogger won't let me

2009-03-29T22:02:00.007-06:00

So a few weeks ago Ryan bought a much needed phone. But not just any phone. he got me the iPhone. Now, I know I don't need it, I honestly didn't even want it, but it is really cool.

2 of the things I really love are the ability to get online anywhere and the clear pictures it takes.

This morning I had gotten back in bed for a few more minutes of rest when Ashby comes back into my room with the following:
A yummy homemade roll (thanks to Grandpa Ken), sweet Honey and a knife.
Yes she is big enough to reach for and actually retrieve all of these items.
Ashby: Mommy I want honey on my roll
I couldn't help but laugh and grant her wish.

Then about an hour later she comes into the kitchen with this on her lip
I hope this isn't a warning for future experimentation.
But I wasn't worried because when I asked what she was doing she told me
"the clib is tickling my lib"

Again there I snapped another pic.

So with the cool new phone I had I thought I could use these two excellent photos and simply upload them right then and there at the kitchen table to blogger.

I went to blogger.com. I signed in. I clicked "create new post" then on "add picture" but that was as far as I made it. Once inside that window, the option to browse my photos wasn't there. Grrr. So here I am on the laptop, because blogger won't let me have it my way.

Ashby did some growing up today and maybe I regressed a little.

NOTE: It was only a butter knife. The sharp ones are still out of reach.

Firsts

2009-03-29T22:02:00.004-06:00

So in this picture you see Ashby's first black eye. Yes, it is small, but I thought one day she might want to see it... so there it is. It happened around the 28th of Feburary when she tripped while dancing and hit her cheek on the hearth. It never got really too colorful as you can tell.

The other first is this cute kitty. Nana made it for her as a Valentines present! She loves it as you can see. Her first hand made stuffed animal!

Daddy and his girl

2009-03-29T21:54:00.003-06:00

Two of my Favorite people. Too cute to pass up. I sure love them. One day we won't be able to have her sleep on us. But for now...we'll take it!

Backyard Fun

2009-03-29T21:39:00.005-06:00

Backyard fun, the way only boys can think of spending a nice day in early March.

Big Tractor in a Small Space

Daddy and Ashby "drivin"

Ashby, Grandpa Ken and her pony!

Really the guys rented this big piece of equipment to finish digging a hole for the shed they are building in the back yard. It was a big hole. Some of the neighbors asked if we were building a swimming pool! hehe.

We also had help from our friend Brian. He has a dump truck. Ashby Loved riding in that! Thanks bud.

Our own Goat

2009-03-08T21:47:00.002-06:00

So today while the weather was nice, we went for a walk. Daddy couldn't believe how much fun AND how slow a walk can be when Ashby isn't sitting in her stroller. hehe

But while we were talking we some how began talking about how one day it would be nice to have our own milk cow or even goat. Ashby was listening (as always) and asked what the goats name would be. As our imaginary goat had no name, I asked her what she would like to name it. If you had been with us this is what you would have heard:

Ashby: Lambie
Me: You would name our goat, Lambie?
Ryan: laughter....
Ashby: Yeah, or Lambie-goat
Ryan: you're a goofer Ashby
Ashby: NOoooo
Me: Well, what if we had a Lamb? Would we name it Goatie?
Ashby: Yeah... ...or Goatie-Lamb

I'm not sure where kids get these things, but I'm glad I'm around to enjoy Ashby. ;)

Oh great one

2009-03-08T21:36:00.003-06:00

These last few weeks have been busier and I've been a bit more fatigued.

I guess I am now officially out of the first trimester of this pregnancy at 14 weeks, but boy am I tired. It seems that by 3 O'Clock, 4 at the latest, I can't stay awake.

Now, I have been providing massage and helping my friend who just had a baby in addition to the normal daily activities, but I didn't think it was an exhausting schedule

Well this morning I woke up with a sore neck. The product of a long week, staying up too late and daylight savings kicking in on the wrong morning. That sore neck had worked itself into an extremely stiff neck. So stiff that I couldn't even stretch it for comfort (my normal method).

After getting Ashby to be I realized I had to ask Ryan for help with this pain.

About 10 minutes after I left Ashby's room he brought me this:

OH Great One! How you loosen the muscles and help the pain fade away

Logan

2009-03-08T21:15:00.004-06:00

While Ashby and I were on our merry little way to visit our good friends the Curdy's (see last post) in Logan we stopped a couple times along to way to document the beauty.

We also stopped to see the Temple. Ashby's first visit to the Logan Temple. :) She liked it a lot. She said it is "so very beautiful"

Good Friends

2009-03-08T19:43:00.006-06:00

While I would say my family and myself have been blessed with many good friends, there are only a handful that I have kept in touch with that reach pre college days. So when one such friend, Gretchen, and her family were going to be about 3 hours away I knew I had to make the trip to see the Curdy's possible.

Now when you have a truly retarted car, that is a bit of a job, but we managed it and Ashby and I were in Ogden at my parents for Wednesday night, up to Logan Thursday and back in our own beds by Thursday night!

When I got there Ashby and their daughter Lexi started playing together like the old friends they are. Thanks to husband Matt and his Mom we then left just Gretchen and I to eat lunch at a delicious Mexican resturant there in Logan! YUM. If I could remember the name, I'd recomend it!

We caught up and laughed and enjoyed time together while we ate and afterward we went and a little shopping. I have to admit it was a lot of fun!

Afterward we all helped make tomales for the entire Curdy family's dinner that night! Man it looked good. Andy and Ashby both had to sample the ingredients. Little hands make for little, but very cute help!

I failed to get any pictures of adorable Lexi or any of Ashby with either of the super cute Curdy Kids! Sorry. But Thanks Matt for being able to take time to leave North Carolina for Utah with it's family and friends!

Yeah it was a lot of driving. Thanks to Ryan and my parents for the transportation help.

All I have say is, I think it was worth it

Happy Birthday Rach!

2009-03-08T19:29:00.007-06:00

Now many of you may not know, but Ryan has an older and very awesome sister Rachel. She works and goes to school at the U and lives up in the Avenues area of down town Salt Lake.

Because of her busy schedule, it is sometimes hard to get together with her. Celebrating her birthday was no exception.

Her birthday is actually at the very beginning of the month, but due the the Super Bowl we didn't celebrate together with all the siblings in Utah (sorry Jordan) until the 22nd of Feb.

Grandpa Ken made a wonderful meal and his (the best) to-die-for Carrot Cake!
Ashby LOVES Aunt Rachel, Rachel returns the love by letting her help open her gifts!

Yay! What a Party!

Happy, Happy Birthday from us, to Rachel

Our Family Valentines

2009-03-08T18:27:00.004-06:00

Because my Missionary Sister, Amy was leaving the MTC on Monday the 16th and she gets to call home from the Airport, we decided to try to be at my parents house when she called.

We decided to just go up to Ogden for the entire weekend including Valentines Day. As a result our Valentines Day was much less romantic and definitely more of just a nice family day! In addition to Grandma and Grandpa Mike we played with Michelle, Jared and Stacy and it still was really fun!

Here is Ashby opening her special gift from Mommy and Daddy.
"This is what I got!"

For Christmas, I had receive slippers that Ashby constantly was trying to steal, so we decided to share the love by finding her own pair to go with her bedtime gift.

The day was a beautiful winter day filled with a little shopping, home browsing, and movie watching.

Later Grandma made a delicous meal for us all. Ashby really loves helping in the kitchen. Here she is pealing the onion! Great job sweetie.

We ended the night after Ashby was asleep with a little alone time by going to get dessert for two!

Naughty or Nice?

2009-03-08T18:21:00.005-06:00

I know it's nowhere near Christmas time, but these two photos made me think of Santa's list. hehe. Judge for yourself.

Valentines Prep Day!

2009-03-08T18:06:00.002-06:00

The day before Valentines Ashby and I made WAY TOO Many heart shaped cupcakes, yummy choclate coated popcorn and adorable homemade Valentines Cards.

After we got back from taking our Valentine Goodies around the neighborhood, some of our friends returned the thought with yummy heart shaped cookies! One even had Ashby's name hand written! So cute.

Ashby loved the cookies and the sweet cards from 3 of her favorite girls in the Ward! Thanks.

We had a lot of fun getting ready for Valentines!

Hope You all had fun too!

It's fun to be a Chun

2009-03-08T17:40:00.004-06:00

All the cute little girls there that day!

Our ward had a baptism at the beginning of
Feburary. The Chun's, our good friends,
daughter was being baptized so we went to
show our love and support. :)

The meeting was wonderfully attended by the
family of the of the two children being baptized
and other friends in the area.

The meeting was very spiritually uplifting both
in message and song.

Two of Ashby's dearest and longest friendships!
(they've loved each othersince she was 6 months old)

We were glad we were able to go and show

Ashby what a baptism looks like. She was

happy to know that Missionary Aunt Amy is

finding others in Chile who want to be baptized

too!

It was Ashby's first Baptism!

Afterward all were invited to a fabulous

luncheon with delicious food and treats and lots

of fun for the many children who had sat so

nicely during the baptism meeting.

The Awesome Chun Family

Thanks to the Chuns and others for making

the day very special and fun.

It just proves that it really is 'fun to be a Chun'

Ashby's News

2009-02-23T18:13:00.002-07:00

Ashby just couldn't wait to share this news with you all.

To be honest, neither could we!

Ashby's Words

2009-02-23T16:06:00.002-07:00

For a long time now Ashby has been fully compent when it came to expressing herself.

Apparently she has become bored with her knowledge in language because the other night during bath time, she instructed me in the following phrase:

"Hurry Pedia Pooh."

You'll all be excited to know it means

"Jump around alot!"

Tracy and Brent

2009-02-02T17:15:00.000-07:00

Tracy and I have known each other for like 8 years. I'm pretty sure we met in the spring term of my freshman year at UCSB. We hung out some here and there, made delicious monster cookies and I think that made us eternal friends!

Anyway, we both life in Happy Valley and so we try to get together. And now that she has a special main man I especially wanted to meet him!
Brent seems like an awesome guy and they are soo cute together!

After a delicous dinner in we played Rock Band (for our first time). Tracy is a pro and the rest of us did our best and had a blast!

One of the many fun dates that Ryan and I seemed to go on this Month. Man so far our social life this year has been happinin'. Thank Tracy and Brent for being so fun.

Martin Luther King Day

2009-02-02T16:15:00.008-07:00

As both of my parents and Michelle (the only sibling under 18) had no work and school they took leave of North Ogden for the day to come to Orem to play with us!

Aunt Michelle is a favorite and here she is doing one of Ashby's favorite things: Reading to her

We had yummy sandwiches and homemade Oreo Cookies (thanks Mom!) Then we piled into my parents car and drove over to the indoor play area at the University mall. It is a BIG prehistoric tree-house with a slide. (I really think it is fun but also a bit of a waste...they could/should have added a couple more slides to the thing!) It has the skeleton of a T-Rex lying down that kids can run through and climb on and a spine to try to balance on.

Overall not nearly as fun as a real play ground...but given the time of year and the temperature outside...it was great!

Then my mom ran over to Deseret book to buy a "Future Missionary" tag for Ashby as our Amy had asked! Ashby was so excited to be like Aunty Amy the Missionary. Thanks Mom.

Afterward we all went out to eat before and watched Mansfield Park.

Michelle, Mom, Ashby and Me

Thanks Mom and Dad for driving down!

The Return of the....

2009-02-02T15:51:00.007-07:00

...JELLO Jiggler

Ashby LOVES Jello Jigglers and we hadn't made them for quite a while...Halloween? So we made some more! Ashby sure wishes it worked faster.

She still has a little trouble saying "Jigglers". But I think it's kinda cute

Camping in House

2009-02-02T15:32:00.007-07:00

I grew up camping. Every summer without fail my parents packed us all up in the current van and drove us all over the western United States. I definitely feel like I can say I like camping

A general definition I've heard of camping is "roughing it".
Some might define this as:
-going RVing
-sleeping on the couch
-Staying in Motel
-sleeping under the stars
-puttin' up a Tent

Now regardless of your roughin' it experience I grew up tent camping with the occasional back packing trip or one night visit to a Motel just to mix it up. We have taken Ashby every summer so far and done a little of the same (although my parents do now pull a 30ft trailer which has its conveniences).

Anyway, Grandpa Ken put up his 2 man tent the about the middle of January to make sure it would work for his Scout campout Ashby liked it soo much we left it up all day! We definitely need to invest in a play tent just for her (cheaper to replace)!
We are already planning some family camping trips at Ashby suggestion!

Dinner with Laurel and Steven

2009-02-02T15:21:00.003-07:00

Ashby just Loves Laurel

Laurel and I became fast friends back during our year of every night of the week, 5 hour massage training back in 2004-2005! We've been best friends ever since.

They weren't there for our wedding (2003) but we got to be there for their (2005). Laurel was there with us when Ashby was born and they've felt like family for a long time. So when we get th chance to enjoy part of a day together we're pretty happy about it.

Strike a pose guys!

Once there was a Snowman....

2009-02-02T15:14:00.007-07:00

Ashby loves snowmen. She even has one on her wall in her room! She loves to sing about them, make them out of play dough and really liked me to read her the Frosty the Snowman book! So when it snowed early in January I figured the following was long past due.

Her first snowman!

With a Licorice Rope mouth and a Carrot nose and two eyes made out of Grapes!

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That day when Ryan came home from work he didn't stop to look at the front of the snowman (with the face) and came in to compliment us on our "Snow Potato"! Silly Daddy

Cutie in Janurary

2009-02-02T14:56:00.005-07:00

These are just pictures for the family that live far away! :)
We think Ashby is kind of a cute kid, so sometimes we document it

Wearing Daddy's New Bronco's Beanie!

It makes Ashby a little silly

Ashby tried to fit in the guitars bag...

Smile!

More evidence of cute silliness!

Snow Angels

2009-01-30T10:53:00.002-07:00

Christmas weekend was spent with Grandma and Grandpa Loveless in North Ogden. Playing in the snow was a fun way to spend time together!

Christmas Time Sledding

2009-01-30T09:23:00.002-07:00

A short tribute to the fun we had with Uncle Adam and Grandma and Grandpa Loveless sledding down the hill near their house.